Gibbs to try to lead Pamlico to winning season

The Pamlico Hurricanes are ready to start a winning trend. They open the season on Friday at Croatan.

Bill Hand, Sun Journal

By Adam Thompson, Sun Journal Staff

Published: Friday, August 23, 2013 at 06:01 AM.

BAYBORO – In the offseason, rising senior NaQuan Gibbs has learned a lot about what it takes to be a successful high school quarterback.

He started nearly every game during Pamlico's one-win season a year ago. But after receiving some valuable advice from his coaching staff, and taking time to adjust to a brand-new offense, Gibbs is ready to help turn the Hurricanes' previous misfortunes into victories.

“Last year, I knew what I was doing, but not well,” Gibbs admitted. “I know what I need to be doing.”

Gibbs will direct the spread formation, which will allow him to take snaps out of the shot-gun formation.

He will throw the football more, and lead some option-style running plays.

“I like running the shotgun better than being under center because I get to see the field better and see what's open before the snap,” Gibbs said.

Pamlico has just two wins in the past two seasons, and haven't made the postseason in six years. The Hurricanes also have a seven-game losing streak going against rival Jones Senior.

BAYBORO – In the offseason, rising senior NaQuan Gibbs has learned a lot about what it takes to be a successful high school quarterback.

He started nearly every game during Pamlico's one-win season a year ago. But after receiving some valuable advice from his coaching staff, and taking time to adjust to a brand-new offense, Gibbs is ready to help turn the Hurricanes' previous misfortunes into victories.

“Last year, I knew what I was doing, but not well,” Gibbs admitted. “I know what I need to be doing.”

Gibbs will direct the spread formation, which will allow him to take snaps out of the shot-gun formation.

He will throw the football more, and lead some option-style running plays.

“I like running the shotgun better than being under center because I get to see the field better and see what's open before the snap,” Gibbs said.

Pamlico has just two wins in the past two seasons, and haven't made the postseason in six years. The Hurricanes also have a seven-game losing streak going against rival Jones Senior.

However, there is a different vibe going on in Bayboro.

Gibbs believes it's because of team leadership, and new head coach Kevin Yost.

“Last year, since we only had two seniors, we didn't have that much leadership,” Gibbs said. “This year, we have about 10 seniors, and everyone wants to lead and do their part.”

Yost, the Hurricanes' offensive coordinator last season, is finding ways to bring enthusiasm back to a program that hasn't had a winning season since 2007.

“I just want to see them compete,” Yost said. “These kids have worked so hard for me and have bought into the program. I want to see them get rewarded for their hard work.”

Yost is particularly pleased with the defense, led by defensive lineman Arthur Randall and linebackers Connor Hough and Tony Credle.

The secondary has speed with Will Becton, Jamal Coffey, Cameron Moore and Josiah Simmons.

“They fly around and they are fast. They are more in attack mode now,” Yost said. “We've worked a lot on turnover drills.

“We have to win in turnovers and special teams, penalties and not make mistakes.”

Gibbs is entering his second season as Pamlico's starting quarterback, but he is surrounded by skilled playmakers.

Becton, Tarik Davis, Coffey and Moore have big-play potential.

The offensive line is young with Montell Sparrow, Hough, Kevin Midyette, Jalen Davis and Rayshawn Wilson.

“We are young there, but they are all 4.0 students,” Yost said. “It's nice to have because we can do stuff a little more difficult.”

The Hurricanes are no longer in the same conference as perennial powerhouse Southwest Onslow. Instead, Southside and Northside (Pinetown) will join a league with Pamlico, Jones Senior, East Carteret and Lejeune.

Adam Thompson can be contacted at 252-635-5669 or at Adam.Thompson@newbernsj.com. Follow Adam on Twitter @Adam_matic.